Does Kenny Payne have itch to be head coach or will be be part of Calipari’s lifetime staff at UK?

Kenny Payne (Vicky Graff)

Vaught’s note:Here’s a message I got from UK die-hard fan Linda Sinclair with a question more of you might have — and one I don’t have an answer for. Maybe you have ideas.

By LINDA SINCLAIR, Contributing Writer

I am really happy to know John Calipari will stay in Kentucky even after he is no longer a coach. He is 60 years old, Brad (Calipari) has two more years of eligibility but he graduates this year from UK. He will play or maybe be a grad assistant.

What does this mean for Kenny Payne? Kenny is 52 years old and could step into a head coaching job at any time. He always wanted to work with Cal. I always hoped he would stick around and take over when Cal leaves.

How long is Kenny willing to wait and how long would he expect to coach? Does he itch to be a head coach. Has Kentucky or Cal sweetened his life in Lexington for him to stay?

Inquiring minds want to know.

For those of you who do not know, I use to contribute stories to Larry all the time. I just have not felt like writing anything lately. Maybe that will change.

I think that if Payne wanted the Louisville job last year, he could have had it. I think he will stay and replace Calipari who will most likely leave in another 2 to 4 years. Payne deserves a shot at it. Who else could we get? Donovan would be my choice, but there is no way he will leave the Thunder. Izzo won’t leave Michigan St., Painter won’t leave Purdue. Payne will take it if offered. If not offered, then the next guy up would be Bruce Pearl based on coaching skills, but he is tainted with infractions at TN and Auburn. Odds say it will be Payne.